Ganged electrical fittings with integral cover plate and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A ganged electrical fitting having an integral cover plate and two or more electrical components, such as a switch, a receptacle, an outlet, a fan switch, a dimmer and combinations thereof, the ganged electrical component/cover plate being secured via screws through the cover plate into a wall box. Electrical component wires are secured to power wires coming from the wall box via quick-connectors or wirenuts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the full extent permitted by law, the present United StatesNon-provisional Patent Application, is a Continuation-in-Part of,Continuation United States Non-provisional Application entitled“Electrical Fittings with Integral Cover Plate and Method of UseThereof,” having assigned Ser. No. 14/603,641, filed on Jan. 23, 2015,which claims benefit of Continuation United States Non-provisionalApplication entitled “Electrical Fittings with Integral Cover Plate andMethod of Use Thereof,” having assigned Ser. No. 14/546,515, filed onNov. 18, 2014, which claims benefit of United States Non-provisionalApplication entitled “Electrical Fittings with Integral Cover Plate andMethod of Use Thereof,” having assigned Ser. No. 13/460,060, filed onApr. 30, 2012, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electrical fittings orfixtures, and more specifically to electrical fittings or fixtureshaving an integral cover plate.

2. Description of Related Art

During construction of buildings, both commercial and residential, it iscommon to provide an electrical wall box for receiving an electricalfitting, such as, an outlet or a switch. The electrical wall box istypically secured to the side of a vertical stud. Once the wall box isinstalled, wallboard is typically installed over the studs and anopening is cut in the wallboard in order to pass the electrical fittingthrough the wallboard. Often, the opening is cut prior to installationof the wall box and the wall box is secured to align with the opening.Electrical wiring from a power source enters the wall box via an openingtherein, wherein the electrical wiring is accessible from the front ofthe wall box.

To complete the installation of the electrical fitting, wires from thefitting are secured to corresponding wires in the wall box, such as, viawire nuts, and the fitting is secured, typically via screws that engagetubular openings (threaded or unthreaded—for self-tapping screws) in thewall box. Subsequently, a decorative cover plate is installed over thefitting, by securing the cover plate, such as, via screws that engagethreaded openings in the fitting.

Whenever a building is undergoing renovation, the existing wall fittingsand their cover plates are often in need of replacement or may simplyneed to be replaced to provide a different appearance. Further, it isoften necessary to replace a single, defective fitting.

In order to replace such existing fittings, once the old cover platesand fittings are removed, typically a new fitting is installed bysecuring the wires of the new fitting to their corresponding wires inthe wall box (step one), securing the fitting to the wall box (steptwo), and, subsequently, securing a new cover plate over the replacedfitting (step three). All of these steps are labor intensive, resultingin higher costs than would otherwise be incurred through a simplerapparatus and method of installation. Moreover, stock keeping units mustbe maintained for both the fittings and the cover plates, therebyincreasing record-keeping costs for inventory.

When installing an electrical fitting to a wall box, the fitting hasopenings for fasteners to engage the wall box receiving apertures. Oncethe fitting is installed, the cover plate is secured via fastenersthrough different openings, thus requiring both different locations forthe openings that receive the fasteners, but more importantly, a largernumber of openings that should be required.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an electricalfitting and cover plate combination that reduces the typical three stepinstallation to a wired wall box from three steps to two.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing an electrical fitting, such as, forexemplary purposes only and without limitation, an electrical outlet oran electrical switch, wherein the electrical fitting comprises anintegral cover plate, and wherein the composite electrical fitting/coverplate is secured via screws through the cover plate into the wall box,thereby reducing inventory for parts suppliers and labor costs forinstallation.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present inventionin its preferred form is a composite electrical fitting comprising anelectrical component having an integrally-formed cover plate, theelectrical component and cover plate comprising a single unit. Thecomposite electrical fitting is dimensioned to be received by a wallbox, the wall box having apertures dimensioned to cooperatively engagefasteners. The cover plate has one or more openings therein that aredimensioned to receive fasteners. Preferably, the composite electricalfitting is removably secured to the wall box via the fasteners.

The electrical component has integral wires, each having a first end anda second end, with the first end in electrical communication with theelectrical component, and each wire of the electrical component has aquick-connect member disposed at the second end thereof. Thequick-connect member comprises a gripping member dimensioned to securean electrical conductor therewithin. The electrical conductor typicallycomprises a sheath therearound, and the quick-connect member has acutting member dimensioned to pierce the sheath.

The electrical component may comprise an electrical outlet having one ormore receptacles for receiving electrical plugs, and/or may comprise anelectrical switch. Preferably, the electrical component comprises tworeceptacles. Alternatively, the electrical component comprises fourreceptacles.

In the course of either an initial installation or for remodeling, anelectrical fitting/cover plate combination is obtained and each of itswires is secured to a corresponding wire coming out of the electricalwall box via the quick-connect member which pierces the insulatingsheath of the wire coming from the wall box. Subsequently, theelectrical fitting/cover plate combination is secured to the electricalwall box by passing one or more fasteners through the openings in thecover plate and engaging the fasteners cooperatively with receivingapertures in the wall box.

More specifically, the present invention is a composite electricalfitting having an electrical component and a cover plate that areintegrally formed together. The electrical component comprises forexemplary purposes only, an outlet or a switch which is installed in awall section.

Typically, the wall section has an opening cut therein to allow accessto electrical wall boxes from outside of the wall. The wall box istypically secured to a selected stud within the wall via a nail or ascrew. The wall box has apertures for receiving screws to retain anelectrical component therein and has an opening in the rear, sides ortop of wall box to permit power supply wiring comprising a group ofinsulated conductors to pass into the wall box. The insulated conductorscomprise conductors with insulating sheaths surrounding the conductorsto insulate them.

The cover plate of the composite electrical fitting comprisesthroughholes dimensioned to receive fasteners inserted therethrough. Theelectrical component comprises, preferably, a duplex outlet having wiresextending therefrom, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a hot wire, aneutral wire and a ground wire. The hot wire, the neutral wire and theground wire each have a first end and a second end. The duplex outletfurther comprises an upper receptacle and a lower receptacle, bothdimensioned to receive electrical plugs for lamps, appliances orsimilar. The upper receptacle and lower receptacle are connected inparallel so that a single set of wires exits the duplex outlet.

At that end of the wires from the electrical component, there arequick-connectors that have gripping members to secure a wire thereinand/or cutting members to pierce the insulation sheath of the insulatedconductors disposed therein to provide electrical communication betweenthe conductor and the electrical component. In an alternativeembodiment, the composite electrical fitting may not havequick-connectors, but, instead, is connected to power supply wirescoming from the wall box via wirenuts.

To install the composite electrical fitting, the hot wire from the mainscoming from the wall is inserted into a quick-connect member on the hotwire of the electrical component, the wall neutral wire is inserted intoa quick-connect member on the neutral wire of the electrical component,and the wall ground wire is inserted into a quick-connect member on theground wire of the electrical component. Subsequently, the compositeelectrical fitting is secured to the wall box via one or more fasteners,with the cover plate covering the wall box opening.

In an alternate embodiment, the electrical component may comprise aswitch, and, in another alternate embodiment, the electrical componentmay comprise a quad outlet with its receptacles wired in parallel.

In an exemplary embodiment of the ganged electrical fitting, the gangedelectrical fitting includes a cover plate having at least two sets ofapertures, the at least two sets of apertures includes at least onethroughhole and at least one component aperture, two or more electricalcomponents affixed to the cover plate, each of the two or moreelectrical components fitted therein the at least one component aperturein the cover plate, integral wires, the integral wires having a neutralwire, a ground wire and at least one hot wire, the neutral wire having afirst neutral end and a second neutral end, wherein the second neutralend is in electrical communication with each of the two or moreelectrical components and the ground wire having a first ground end anda second ground end, wherein the second ground end is in electricalcommunication with each of the two or more electrical components, andwherein the at least one hot wire having a first hot wire end and asecond hot wire end, wherein the second hot wire end is in electricalcommunication with at least one of the two or more electricalcomponents, an electrical component cover affixed to the cover plate,the electrical component cover fitted around the two or more electricalcomponents.

In a further exemplary embodiment the ganged electrical fitting, theganged electrical fitting includes a cover plate having at least twosets of apertures, the at least two sets of apertures includes at leastone throughhole and at least one component aperture, two or moreelectrical components affixed to the cover plate, each of the two ormore electrical components selected from a group consisting of a switch,a receptacle, an outlet, a fan switch, a dimmer and combinationsthereof, each of the two or more electrical components fitted thereinthe at least one component aperture in the cover plate, integral wires,the integral wires having a neutral wire, a ground wire and at least onehot wire, the neutral wire having a first neutral end and a secondneutral end, wherein the second neutral end is in electricalcommunication with each of the two or more electrical components and theground wire having a first ground end and a second ground end, whereinthe second ground end is in electrical communication with each of thetwo or more electrical components, and wherein the at least one hot wirehaving a first hot wire end and a second hot wire end, wherein thesecond hot wire end is in electrical communication with at least one ofthe two or more electrical components, an electrical component coveraffixed to the cover plate, the electrical component cover fitted aroundthe two or more electrical components.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to reduce labor costs for initial installation and forretrofitting of electrical fittings.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability toreduce the number of stock keeping units for inventory purposes.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to be quickly installed.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to be utilized with a variety of electrical components.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit requires only simple tools for installation.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit is secured via fewer fasteners that is required by typical electricalfixtures with separate cover plates.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall section having an electrical wallbox installed therein;

FIG. 2A is a front exploded perspective view of an electrical fittingaccording to a preferred embodiment, shown connected and secured to anexisting electrical wall box;

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of an electrical fitting according tothe preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2C is a detail perspective view of a wire from an electricalfitting according to the preferred embodiment, shown with aquick-connect used to join to another wire;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of an electrical fittingaccording to a preferred embodiment, shown connected and secured to anexisting electrical wall box;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an electrical fitting according toan alternate embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an electrical fitting according toan alternate embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of a ganged electrical switch fittingaccording to an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of an electrical receptacle fittingaccording to an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of a ganged electrical switch fittinghaving an insulated cover according to an alternate embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a back exploded perspective view of a ganged electrical switchfitting having an insulated cover according to an alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTSOF THE INVENTION

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, specific terminology isemployed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention in a preferredembodiment comprises composite electrical fitting 10 (best shown in FIG.2A), wherein composite electrical fitting 10 comprises electricalcomponent 50 and cover plate 60, wherein electrical component 50 andcover plate 60 are integrally formed.

Turning now to FIG. 1, depicted therein is wall W, having studs Stherewithin. An opening A is preferably cut in wall W, wherein opening Ais dimensioned to allow access to interior of wall box B from outside ofwall W. Wall box W is secured to a selected stud S via fasteners as areknown in the art. Wall box B comprises receiving apertures T forreceiving fasteners, such as, for exemplary purposes only, fasteners 20discussed hereinbelow and wall box B further comprises opening O,typically in the rear of wall box B, or alternatively in a side or topof wall box B. Power supply wiring G comprises a group of insulatedconductors I, wherein power supply wiring G passes through opening O inwall box B and is accessible from within wall box B (best shown in FIGS.2C and 3). Insulated conductors I comprise conductors C and sheaths H,wherein sheaths H surround conductors C thereby insulating same.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, cover plate 30 of composite electricalfitting 10 comprises throughholes 30, wherein throughholes 30 aredimensioned to receive fasteners 20 therethrough. Electrical component50 comprises duplex outlet 140 and wires 40, wherein wires 40 comprisehot wire 40A, neutral wire 40B and ground wire 40C. Hot wire 40Acomprises first end 70A and second end 80A, neutral wire 40B comprisesfirst end 70B and second end 80B, and ground wire 40C comprises firstend 70C and second end 80C. Duplex outlet 140 comprises upper receptacle50A and lower receptacle 50B, wherein upper receptacle 50A and lowerreceptacle 50B are dimensioned to receive an electrical plug connectedto, for exemplary purposes only, a lamp or an appliance, and whereinupper receptacle 50A and lower receptacle 50B are connected in parallel,and wherein first ends 70A, 70B and 70C are in electrical communicationwith upper receptacle 50A and lower receptacle 50B.

Turning now more particularly to FIG. 2C, composite electrical fitting10 further comprises quick-connectors 90, wherein quick-connectors 90are disposed at second ends 80A, 80B and 80C, and whereinquick-connectors 90 comprise gripping members 100 and/or cutting members110, wherein gripping members 100 are dimensioned to grip a selectedsize of wire and wherein cutting members 110 are dimensioned to cutthrough sheath H surrounding conductor C of insulated conductor I,thereby providing electrical communication between conductor C and aselected one of second ends 80A, 80B and 80C.

In another preferred embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3, compositeelectrical fitting 10 does not have quick-connectors 90 installed and,instead, connection between second ends 80A, 80B, 80C and respectivewall hot wire 41A, wall neutral wire 41B, and wall ground wire 41C ofwiring G is made via use of wirenuts 45, as is known in the art.

To install, wall hot wire 41A comprising insulated conductor I isinserted into quick-connect member disposed at second end 80A of hotwire 40A, wall neutral wire 41B comprising insulated conductor I isinserted into quick-connect member disposed at second end 80B of neutralwire 40B, and wall ground wire 41C comprising insulated conductor I isinserted into quick-connect member 90 disposed at second end 80C ofground wire 40C. Subsequently, composite electrical fitting 10 issecured to an existing wall box B (best shown in FIG. 3), whereinelectrical component 50 is dimensioned to be received within wall box B,and wherein cover plate 60 is dimensioned to cover wall box B. Fasteners20 are inserted through throughholes 30 and engage receiving aperturesT.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is analternate embodiment of composite electrical fitting 10, wherein thealternate embodiment of FIG. 4 is substantially equivalent in form andfunction to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically,in the embodiment of FIG. 4, electrical component 50 comprises switch120, wherein switch 120 is substituted for duplex outlet 140, andwherein switch 120 comprises all of the components of FIGS. 2A and 2Bother than duplex outlet 140.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is analternate embodiment of composite electrical fitting 10, wherein thealternate embodiment of FIG. 5 is substantially equivalent in form andfunction to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically,in the embodiment of FIG. 5, electrical component 50 comprises quadoutlet 120, wherein quad outlet 130 comprises upper receptacles 50A, 50Cand lower receptacles 50B, 50D, and wherein receptacles 50A, 50B, 50Cand 50D are wired in parallel. Other than duplex outlet 140, thealternative embodiment of FIG. 5 comprises all of the components ofFIGS. 2A and 2B.

Referring now to FIG. 6, cover plate 60 of ganged composite electricalfitting 10.1 preferably includes throughholes 30, wherein throughholes30 are dimensioned to receive fasteners 20 therethrough. One or moreelectrical components, such as 50.1, 50.2, 50.3 are configured as gangedduplex switch 140.1 and wires 40, wherein wires 40 includes one or morehot wire 40A, one or more neutral wire 40B and one or more ground wire40C. Preferably hot wire 40A.1, 40A.2, 40A.3, respectively, forelectrical switch component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, includes first end 70A.1,70A.2, 70A.3 (first hot ends) and second end 80A.1, 80A.2, 80A.3,(second hot ends) electrically connected to electrical component 50 viahot terminal 50.1A, 50.2A, 50.3A of electrical switch component 50.1,50.2, 50.3, respectively. Moreover, neutral wire 40B preferably includesfirst end 70B (first neutral end) and serial second end 80B.1, 80B.2,80B.3 (second neutral ends), electrically connected to each electricalcomponent 50 via neutral terminal 50.1B, 50.2B, 50.3B of electricalcomponent 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively, and ground wire 40C preferablyincludes first end 70C (first ground end) and serial second end 80C.1,80C.2, 80C.3 (second ground ends), electrically connected to eachelectrical component 50 via ground terminal 50.1C, 50.2C, 50.3C ofelectrical component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively. Duplex outlet 140.1includes electrical switch components 50.2, 50.3 connected in parallel,wherein neutral wire 40B and ground wire 40C are in parallel electricalcommunication with electrical switch components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3.

Furthermore, cover plate 60 of composite electrical fitting 10.1preferably includes an electrical component cover, such as back cover620 configured to cover, fitted around, encase, and insulate electricalswitch components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, including hot terminal 50.1A, 50.2A,50.3A, neutral terminal 50.1B, 50.2B, 50.3B and/or ground terminal50.1C, 50.2C, 50.3C of electrical component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3. Preferablyback cover 620 includes one or more holes, such as aperture 610 toenable wires 40 to transition in and out of back cover 620. Morespecifically, hot wire 40A.1, 40A.2, 40A.3 for electrical switchcomponent 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively, enters back cover 620 viaapertures 610A.1, 610A.2, 610A.3, and neutral wire 40B for electricalreceptacle component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively and ground wire 40Cfor electrical receptacle component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively enterback cover 620 via apertures 610B and 610C, respectively. Furthermore,back cover 620 further includes one or more vents 612 configured toenable heat generated by electrical switch components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3to dissipate heat therefrom back cover 620 and/or composite electricalfitting 10.1.

Preferably, electrical fitting 10 further comprises quick-connectors 90,wherein quick-connectors 90 are disposed at first end 70A.1, 70A.2,70A.3, 70B, and 70C, hot, neutral, ground, respectively, and whereinquick-connectors 90 comprise gripping members 100 and/or cutting members110, wherein gripping members 100 are dimensioned to grip a selectedsize of wire and wherein cutting members 110 are dimensioned to cutthrough sheath H surrounding conductor C of insulated conductor I,thereby providing electrical communication between conductor C and aselected one of first end 70A.1, 70A.2, 70A.3, 70B, and 70C via wall hotwire 41A, such as 41A.1, 41A.2, 41A.3, wall neutral wire 41B and wallground wire 41C.

It is contemplated herein that wall hot wire 41A, wall neutral wire 41Band wall ground wire 41C may supply a variety of currents and voltagesto electrical switch components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3. 50.4 in wall box B,including standard power supplies meeting U.L., U.S. and foreignstandard or requirements, such as 110V/120V, 220V/240V and the like.

Preferably, back cover 620 includes four side panels 621 and rear panel622 configured in the shape of a rectangular box or the like shapeconfigured to covered or insulated ganged duplex switches 140.1.Preferably apertures 610, such as apertures 610A, 610B and 610C may bepositioned therein any of four side panels 621 or rear panel 622 toenable close proximity of quick-connectors 90, such as apertures 90A.1,90A.2, 90A.3, 90B and 90C thereto insulated conductors I of power supplywiring G, such as wall hot wire 41A, such as 41A.1, 41A.2, 41A.3, wallneutral wire 41B, and wall ground wire 41C, respectively of wall box Bof FIG. 3. Preferably back cover 620 may be affixed or removeablyaffixed thereto cover plate 60, such as by fastener, latch, adhesive,sonic weld or the like to form a covered and/or insulated ganged duplexswitches 140.1 to increase the safety and to simplify wiring a set ofelectrical switch components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3 in wall box B.

Referring now to FIG. 7, cover plate 60 of ganged composite electricalfitting 10.2 preferably includes throughholes 30, wherein throughholes30 are dimensioned to receive fasteners 20 therethrough. One or moreelectrical receptacle components, such as 50.1, 50.2, 50.3 areconfigured as ganged duplex receptacle 140.2 and wires 40, wherein wires40 includes one or more hot wire 40A, one or more neutral wire 40B andone or more ground wire 40C. Preferably hot wire 40A for electricalreceptacle component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, includes first end 70A (first hotend) and serial second end 80A.1, 80A.2, 80A.3 (second hot ends)electrically connected to each electrical receptacle component 50.1,50.2, 50.3 via hot terminal 50.1A, 50.2A, 50.3A of electrical component50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively. Moreover, neutral wire 40B preferablyincludes first end 70B (first neutral end) and serial second end 80B.1,80B.2, 80B.3 (second neutral ends), electrically connected to eachelectrical component 50 via neutral terminal 50.1B, 50.2B, 50.3B ofelectrical component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively, and ground wire 40Cpreferably includes first end 70C (first ground end) and serial secondend 80C.1, 80C.2, 80C.3 (second ground ends), electrically connected toeach electrical component 50 via ground terminal 50.1C, 50.2C, 50.3C ofelectrical component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively. Duplex outlet 140.2includes electrical receptacle components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3 connected inparallel, wherein hot wire 40A, neutral wire 40B, and ground wire 40Care in parallel electrical communication with electrical switchcomponents 50.1, 50.2, 50.3.

Furthermore, cover plate 60 of composite electrical fitting 10.2preferably includes electrical component cover, such as back cover 620configured to cover and insulate electrical receptacle components 50.1,50.2, 50.3, including hot terminal 50.1A, 50.2A, 50.3A, neutral terminal50.1B, 50.2B, 50.3B and/or ground terminal 50.1C, 50.2C, 50.3C ofelectrical component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3. Preferably back cover 620includes one or more holes, such as aperture 610 to enable wires 40 totransition in and out of back cover 620. More specifically, hot wire 40Afor electrical receptacle component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively,enters back cover 620 via apertures 610A, and neutral wire 40B forelectrical receptacle component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, respectively andground wire 40C for electrical receptacle component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3,respectively enter back cover 620 via apertures 610B and 610C,respectively. Furthermore, back cover 620 further includes one or morevents 612 configured to enable heat generated by electrical receptaclecomponents 50.1, 50.2, 50.3 to dissipate heat therefrom back cover 620and/or composite electrical fitting 10.2.

Preferably, electrical fitting 10.2 further comprises quick-connectors90, wherein quick-connectors 90 are disposed at first end 70A, 70B, and70C and wherein quick-connectors 90 comprise gripping members 100 and/orcutting members 110, wherein gripping members 100 are dimensioned togrip a selected size of wire and wherein cutting members 110 aredimensioned to cut through sheath H surrounding conductor C of insulatedconductor I, thereby providing electrical communication betweenconductor C and a selected one of first end 70A, 70B, and 70C via wallhot wire 41A, wall neutral wire 41B, and wall ground wire 41C.

Preferably, back cover 620 includes four side panels 621 and rear panel622 configured in the shape of a rectangular box or the like shapeconfigured to covered or insulated ganged duplex switches 140.2.Preferably apertures 610, such as apertures 610A, 610B and 610C may bepositioned therein any of four side panels 621 or rear panel 622 toenable close proximity of quick-connectors 90, such as apertures 90A,90B and 90C thereto insulated conductors I of power supply wiring G,such as wall hot wire 41A, wall neutral wire 41B, and wall ground wire41C, respectively of wall box B of FIG. 3. Preferably back cover 620 maybe affixed or removeably affixed thereto cover plate 60, such as byfastener, latch, adhesive, sonic weld, heat weld, or the like to form acovered and/or insulated ganged duplex switches 140.2 to increase thesafety and to simplify wiring a set of electrical receptacle components50.1, 50.2, 50.3 in wall box B.

It is contemplated herein that ganged duplex switch 140.1 and/or gangedduplex switches 140.2 may contain any mix or combination of electricalcomponent 50, such as electrical switch component 50 and/or electricalreceptacle components 50 whether switch, receptacle (pin or bladestyle), fan switch, dimmer, or the like and any combination thereofelectrical component 50. Moreover, electrical component 50 may includeelectrical components meeting U.L., U.S. and foreign standard orrequirements, such as 110V/120V, 220V/240V, grounded, not grounded, andthe like.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, ganged composite electrical fitting 10.3preferably includes cover plate 60, electrical receptacle components50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4, and electrical component cover, such as backcover 620 configured to cover and insulate one or more electricalreceptacle components, such as 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4. Moreover,electrical receptacle components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4 are configuredas ganged duplex receptacle 140.3 having for example, hot terminal50.1A, neutral terminal 50.1B, and ground terminal 50.1C electricallyconnected thereto one or more electrical terminals, such as terminalends 70A, 70B, and 70C or quick-connectors 90.

For example in FIG. 9, neutral bus, such as neutral wire 40B preferablyincludes first end 70B1 and second end 70B2 (first neutral ends) andserial pins, taps or connectors, such as pin connectors 80B.1, 80B.2,80B.3, 80B.4 (second neutral ends) and such pin connectors may beelectrically connected to each electrical component 50 via neutralterminal 50.1B, 50.2B, 50.3B, 50.4B of electrical component 50.1, 50.2,50.3, 50.4 respectively. Preferably ground bus, such as ground wire 40Cpreferably includes first end 70C1 and second end 70C2 (first groundends) and serial pins, taps or connectors, such as loop connectors80C.1, 80C.2, 80C.3, 80C.4 (second ground ends) and such loop connectorsmay be electrically connected to each electrical component 50 via groundterminal 50.1C, 50.2C, 50.3C, 50.4C of electrical component 50.1, 50.2,50.3, 50.4 respectively.

Moreover for electrical switches, dimmers, or controllers as electricalreceptacle component 50 (as shown in FIG. 6), duplex outlet 140.3includes hot wire 40A.1/A.2/A.3/A.4 for electrical receptacle component50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4 respectively, and each may include first end 70Aand second end 80A wherein each individual second end 80A (second hotwire end) is preferably electrically connected to one of electricalreceptacle component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4 via hot terminal 50.1A,50.2A, 50.3A, 50.4A of electrical component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4respectively.

Moreover for electrical plug or receptacle as electrical receptaclecomponent 50 (as shown in FIG. 7), duplex outlet 140.3 includes hot bus,such as hot wire 40A preferably includes first end 70B1 and second end70B2 and serial pins, taps or connectors, such as pin connectors 80B.1,80B.2, 80B.3, 80B.4 (second hot wire end) and such pin connectors may beelectrically connected to each electrical component 50 via hot terminal50.1A, 50.2A, 50.3A, 50.4A of electrical component 50.1, 50.2, 50.3,50.4 respectively.

It is contemplated herein that connectors 80 (whether 80A, 80B or 80C orthe like) may include a variety of connectors, such as pins, taps, tabs,spade, push-on, bullet, fork, ring, loop, bare wire (second end 80A) orthe like to electrically connect one or more wire(s) 40, such as hotwire 40A, wire 40B, or ground wire 40C to hot terminal 50A, neutralterminal 50B, or ground terminal 50C of electrical receptacle components50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4.

It is further contemplated herein that one or more buses such as hotwire 40A, wire 40B, or ground wire 40C may be configured to be usedinterchangeably between hot terminal 50A, neutral terminal 50B, andground terminal 50C. Moreover, bus or wire 40 such as hot wire 40A, wire40B, or ground wire 40C may include one or more connectors 80electrically connected thereto bus or wire 40 and spaced along bus orwire 40 to electrically connect to one or more electrical receptaclecomponent 50. Additionally, bus or wire 40 may further include one ormore quick-connectors 90 electrically connected to bus or wire 40 andelectrically connected to one or more connectors 80, whereinquick-connectors 90 may be disposed anywhere along bus or wire 40.

Furthermore, cover plate 60 of composite electrical fitting 10.3preferably includes electrical component cover, such as back cover 620configured to cover and insulate one or more, part, portion or sectionof one or more, or all of electrical component 50, such as electricalreceptacle components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4 including hot terminal50.1A, 50.2A, 50.3A, 50.4A neutral terminal 50.1B, 50.2B, 50.3B, 50.4Band/or ground terminal 50.1C, 50.2C, 50.3C, 50.4C of electricalcomponent 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4. Preferably back cover 620 includes oneor more holes, such as aperture 610 to enable wires 40, such as firstend 70A of hotwire 40A, first end 70B of neutral wire 40B, and/or firstend 70C of ground wire to transition in and out of back cover 620, asshown in FIG. 8. Furthermore, back cover 620 further includes one ormore vents 612 configured to enable heat generated by electricalreceptacle components 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4 to dissipate therefrom backcover 620 and/or composite electrical fitting 10.3.

Preferably, electrical fitting 10.3 further includes quick-connectors 90(hot quick-connectors 90A, neutral quick-connectors 90B, and groundquick-connectors 90C), wherein quick-connectors 90 are disposed at firstend 70A1, 70B1, and 70C1 and wherein quick-connectors 90 includesgripping members 100 and/or cutting members 110, wherein grippingmembers 100 are dimensioned to grip a selected size of wire and whereincutting members 110 are dimensioned to cut through sheath H surroundingconductor C of insulated conductor I, thereby providing electricalcommunication between conductor C and a selected one of first end 70A,70B, and 70C via wall hot wire 41A, wall neutral wire 41B, and wallground wire 41C.

Preferably, back cover 620 includes three to four side panels 621 andrear panel 622 preferably configured in the shape of a rectangular boxor the like shape configured to covered or insulate ganged duplexswitches 140.3. Preferably apertures 610, such as apertures 610A-C maybe positioned therein any of three to four side panels 621 or rear panel622 to enable close proximity of quick-connectors 90, such as apertures90A, 90B and 90C thereto insulated conductors I of power supply wiringG, such as wall hot wire 41A, wall neutral wire 41B, and wall groundwire 41C, respectively of wall box B of FIG. 3. Preferably back cover620 may be affixed or removeably affixed thereto cover plate 60, such asby fastener, latch, screwed, adhesive, sonic weld, heat weld, or thelike fastened there through connection hole 630 to form a covered and/orinsulated ganged duplex switches 140.3 to increase the safety and tosimplify wiring a set of electrical receptacle components 50.1, 50.2,50.3, 50.4 thereto wall hot wire 41A, wall neutral wire 41B, and wallground wire 41C of wall box B.

It is contemplated herein that ganged duplex switch 140.3 may containany mix or combination of electrical component 50, such as electricalswitch component 50 and/or electrical receptacle components 50 whetherswitch, receptacle, plug, outlet, fan switch, dimmer, or the like andany combination thereof electrical component 50.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the artthat the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps ofa method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of that method. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the artto which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ganged electrical fitting, said gangedelectrical fitting comprising: a cover plate having at least two sets ofapertures, said at least two sets of apertures includes at least onethroughhole and at least one component aperture; two or more electricalcomponents affixed to said cover plate, each of said two or moreelectrical components fitted therein said at least one componentaperture in said cover plate; integral wires, said integral wires havinga neutral wire, a ground wire and at least one hot wire, said neutralwire having a first neutral end and a second neutral end, wherein saidsecond neutral end is in electrical communication with each of said twoor more electrical components and said ground wire having a first groundend and a second ground end, wherein said second ground end is inelectrical communication with each of said two or more electricalcomponents; and wherein said at least one hot wire having a first hotwire end and a second hot wire end, wherein said second hot wire end isin electrical communication with at least one of said two or moreelectrical components; and wherein said first neutral end is inelectrical communication with a neutral quick-connector, said firstground end is in electrical communication with a ground quick-connector,and said first hot end is in electrical communication with a hotquick-connector; an electrical component cover affixed to said coverplate, said electrical component cover includes sides with a back fittedaround said two or more electrical components; and a wall box having anopening, said opening having at least one receiving aperture, said wallbox having at least one fastener positioned through said at least onethroughhole of the cover plate and dimensioned to engage the at leastone receiving aperture; wherein said ganged electrical fitting isremovably secured to said wall box via said at least one fastener. 2.The ganged electrical fitting of claim 1, wherein said wall box furthercomprising at least one power supply wiring passing therethough into thewall box.
 3. The ganged electrical fitting of claim 1, wherein said twoor more electrical components includes a switch.
 4. The gangedelectrical fitting of claim 1, wherein said two or more electricalcomponents includes a switch.
 5. The ganged electrical fitting of claim1, wherein said two or more electrical components includes an outlet. 6.The ganged electrical fitting of claim 1, wherein said two or moreelectrical components further comprises a group consisting of an outlet,a switch, a fan switch, a dimmer, a receptacle, and combinationsthereof.
 7. The ganged electrical fitting of claim 1, wherein saidelectrical component cover further comprises at least one opening forsaid integral wires to pass therethrough.
 8. The ganged electricalfitting of claim 2, wherein said first neutral end, said first groundend, and said first hot end electrically connect with the correspondingsaid at least one power supply wiring from said wall box.
 9. The gangedelectrical fitting of claim 2, wherein said hot quick-connector connectsto a wall hot wire of said at least one power supply wiring, where saidneutral quick-connector connects to a wall neutral wire of said at leastone power supply wiring, and where said ground quick-connector connectsto a wall ground wire of said at least one power supply wiring.
 10. Theganged electrical fitting of claim 1, wherein said electrical componentcover includes a vent.
 11. The ganged electrical fitting of claim 1,wherein said two or more electrical components affixed to said coverplate via a latch, a screw, a heat weld, or an adhesive.
 12. A gangedelectrical fitting, said ganged electrical fitting comprising: a coverplate having at least two sets of apertures, said at least two sets ofapertures includes at least one throughhole and at least one componentaperture; two or more electrical components affixed to said cover plate,each of said two or more electrical components selected from a groupconsisting of a switch, a receptacle, an outlet, a fan switch, a dimmerand combinations thereof, each of said two or more electrical componentsfitted therein said at least one component aperture in said cover plate;integral wires, said integral wires having a neutral wire, a ground wireand at least one hot wire, said neutral wire having a first neutral endand a second neutral end, wherein said second neutral end is inelectrical communication with each of said two or more electricalcomponents and said ground wire having a first ground end and a secondground end, wherein said second ground end is in electricalcommunication with each of said two or more electrical components; andwherein said at least one hot wire having a first hot wire end and asecond hot wire end, wherein said second hot wire end is in electricalcommunication with at least one of said two or more electricalcomponents; and wherein said first neutral end is in electricalcommunication with a neutral quick-connector, said first ground end isin electrical communication with a ground quick-connector, and saidfirst hot end is in electrical communication with a hot quick-connector;an electrical component cover affixed to said cover plate, saidelectrical component cover includes sides with a back fitted around saidtwo or more electrical components; and a wall box having an opening,said opening having at least one receiving aperture, said wall boxhaving at least one fastener positioned through said at least onethroughhole of the cover plate and dimensioned to engage the at leastone receiving aperture; wherein said ganged electrical fitting isremovably secured to said wall box via said at least one fastener. 13.The ganged electrical fitting of claim 12, wherein said wall box furthercomprising at least one power supply wiring passing therethough into thewall box.
 14. The ganged electrical fitting of claim 12, wherein saidelectrical component cover further comprises at least one opening forsaid integral wires to pass therethrough.
 15. The ganged electricalfitting of claim 13, wherein said first neutral end, said first groundend, and said first hot end electrically connect with corresponding saidat least one power supply wiring from said wall box.
 16. The gangedelectrical fitting of claim 13, wherein said hot quick-connectorconnects to a wall hot wire of said at least one power supply wiring,where said neutral quick-connector connects to a wall neutral wire ofsaid at least one power supply wiring, and where said groundquick-connector connects to a wall ground wire of said at least onepower supply wiring.
 17. The ganged electrical fitting of claim 12,wherein said electrical component cover includes a vent.
 18. The gangedelectrical fitting of claim 12, wherein said two or more electricalcomponents affixed to said cover plate via a latch, a screw, a heatweld, or an adhesive.